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On Saturday, the Dallas Cowboys cut the following players to get them down to 53 players:
The Dallas Cowboys released the following players today: pic.twitter.com/u13B5VuPPk
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 5, 2020
With these cuts, the initial roster of the Cowboys looks as follows:
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As always, some moves came as a surprise as a new coaching staff sorted out what they wanted from this football team. It was clear that special teams continues to be an emphasis.
Each year, coaches tell rookies the importance of special teams. Today is reminder those words more than just talk. Undrafted rookie RB Rico Dowdle proved worth. We'll see how Cowboys' 53-man roster pans out -- with acquisitions likely to come -- but Dowdle showed well in camp.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) September 5, 2020
First, let’s congratulate a few undrafted rookies that many didn’t think had a very good chance to make the team.
Undrafted rookies RB Rico Dowdle (third RB), TE Sean McKeon (fourth TE) and OT Terence Steele (fourth OT) made Cowboys' initial 53-man roster. Best advice for any player on 53 is to understand roster will change. But team is very high on all three. Congrats to them.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) September 5, 2020
But for others, we must bid a farewell, at least for the moment. The biggest snub comes from a Utah linebacker that quickly became a popular “pet cat” this summer.
LB Francis Bernard
With news that the team is putting Sean Lee on injured reserve, it just felt like that secured a spot for Francis Bernard. The undrafted free agent linebacker has had, from all that we’ve heard, a good training camp, so this move comes as a surprise.
The biggest surprise of the Cowboys roster cuts is undrafted rookie free agent LB Francis Bernard being released. He was very good throughout camp. Would’ve liked to see him in some preseason games. A player Dallas will look to keep on its practice squad
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 5, 2020
Bummed about Francis Bernard being cut by the Cowboys. Sounds like they're hoping he clears waivers and then they'll put Lee on the IR and bring him back. But with all the noise Bernard was making during camp I wouldn't be surprised if someone snags him.
— Fear the Beard (@WalkUte) September 5, 2020
Francis Bernard not making it is a crime.
— Joe Wheat (@joewheat27) September 5, 2020
LB Justin March
Bernard wasn’t the only linebacker released on Saturday.
If we cut Francis Bernard and Justin March AND Sean Lee is on IR.. don't we only have 3 LB's now...?
— Howard Tuttleman (@ThatMan_JC) September 5, 2020
Yes, that seems rather thin, but David Helman from the Mothership explains...
I think Justin March probably winds up on the 53 tomorrow.
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) September 5, 2020
But if Bernard clears waivers, I think he’ll wind up on the practice squad. Remember, they have 17 PS spots this year (the usual 16, plus an allowance for Isaac Alarcón) https://t.co/WM8IOB8xxB
CB C.J. Goodwin
The team also moved on from their best special teams player as the veteran cornerback wasn’t able to survive the cuts.
C.J. Goodwin cut by #Cowboys. Highly recommend him to any team looking for an excellent gunner on punt team. #specialteamsmatter
— Aaron Freeman (@falcfans) September 5, 2020
Again, this is expected to be just a formality, and many expect Goodwin to return soon.
FB Sewo Olonilua
After Jamize Olawale opted out, it looked as if Sewo Olonilua’s spot on the roster was safe. Not so fast, as the team decided it’s not going to be rolling with a true fullback this season. Instead, the team will be relying on one of their strongest blocking tight ends to handle that role this season.
Cowboys waived former TCU running back Sewo Olonilua, source said. Rookie is likely headed to practice squad. Team has worked Olonilua at fullback, but versatile TE Dalton Schultz will begin 2020 as Ezekiel Elliott's lead blocker in 21 personnel.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) September 5, 2020
WR Jon’Vea Johnson
The writing on the wall has slowly presented itself when it comes to last year’s UDFA wide receiver Jon’Vea Johnson, but some have been preparing for this moment.
Coming to grips with the possibility that Jon'Vea Johnson won't make the 53-man roster and I'm in distress.
— John Owning (@JohnOwning) September 1, 2020
Do you agree with the Cowboys roster decisions? What would you have done differently?